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Illegal drug abuse is the action of using drugs that are prohibited by the government or strictly controlled by means of prescription to alter one’s consciousness and emotions. The Hong Kong government has a zero tolerance policy against illegal drug use. Drugs such as cannabis and ecstasy, which can be considered recreational drugs in other countries are all illegal in Hong Kong.〔Boland, R. (n.d.). Drugs in Hong Kong. Retrieved from http://gohongkong.about.com/od/healthandsaftey/fl/Drugs-in-Hong-Kong.htm〕 Illegal drug abuse remains one of the major problems among adolescents in Hong Kong. This trend dropped in the mid 90s but reappeared in the beginning of the 21st century.〔Chan Wai Leung, Chu Fung, Wong Pui Ling, Yu Kai Ming Caritas – Hong Kong. Innovative Intervention Mode for Young Recreational Drug Users in Hong Kong — Changing through acting. Part 2: Changing drug abuse patterns and law enforcement strategies.〕〔Narcotics Division (2002). Central Registry of Drug Abuse – Fifty-first Report. Hong Kong: Security Bureau, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People’s Republic of China〕 The increase of consumption of illegal drugs among adolescents in Hong Kong can be attributed to the global trend of recreational drug use at nightclubs and rave parties. Following the popularisation of nightclubs and rave culture in Hong Kong, the abuse of party drugs such as ecstasy and ketamine has been on the rise since 2000.〔Cheung, N. W., & Cheung, Y. W. (2006). Is Hong Kong experiencing normalisation of adolescent drug use? Some reflections on the normalisation thesis. Substance use & misuse, 41(14), 1967-1990.〕〔Yuen, ECP. (2001). The common drugs of abuse in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Journal of Emergency Medicine, 8(2), 90-95. Retrieved from http://www.hkcem.com/html/publications/Journal/2001-2/90-95.pdf〕 This phenomenon causes a huge impact to adolescents, considering that the consumption of illegal drugs impacts both emotional and physical health, potentially causing long lasting damage. Despite Hong Kong being a relatively safe city, and the Hong Kong government’s efforts in controlling the use of illegal substances, drug abuse is still a prevailing issue in Hong Kong. Each year, more than 2000 people are reported to have taken illicit drugs for the first time.〔Central Registry of Drug Abuse.(12.19.2014). Newly/previously reported drug abusers by age. Retrieved from http://www.nd.gov.hk/statistics_list/doc/en/t1.pdf〕 This can be attributed to Hong Kong's relatively lenient punishment for those found to have possessed illegal drugs and adolescent's receptive viewpoint regarding drug use as a normal part of leisure, as well as easy access of party drugs in club settings. Sometimes, the judge will only ask the offender to bind over or charge the offender with a fine after they are convicted.〔Lau, S. (2000, September 19). Drug charge against High Court judge's son dropped. Retrieved from http://www.scmp.com/article/334617/drug-charge-against-high-court-judges-son-dropped〕 ==Popular illegal drugs in Hong Kong== The following substances listed, all considered illegal in Hong Kong, are in order of popularity:〔Common Drugs. (2015, March 1). Retrieved from http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/drug/common_drug.html〕〔Central Registry of Drug Abuse.(12.19.2014). Newly/previously reported drug abusers by age group by common type of drugs abused. Retrieved from http://www.nd.gov.hk/statistics_list/doc/en/t3.pdf〕 *Ketamine- a general anaesthetic used in intensive care by doctors for its pain relieving and sedative qualities. *Cannabis- Cannabis often referred to as marijuana, weed or pot is often used for its psychoactive and physiological effects. *MDMA- also known as ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug that induces hallucinogenic properties. The popularisation of ecstasy became popular mid 90’s because of its association with western club culture and Raves. *Cocaine- a white powdery substance extracted from the leaves of coca plant, and is considered the strongest natural stimulant. *Methamphetamine- a strong central nervous system stimulant in the amphetamine class used to treat ADHD. *Heroin- an opioid analgesic, derived from the opium poppy, a narcotic drug that is four times stronger than morphine. *GHB- a central nervous system suppressant with anti-anxiety effects at lower doses. In higher doses the sedative effects of GHB can induce sleep, which can potentially lead to a coma. GHB is also known as a date rape drug.〔DrugFacts: Club Drugs (GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol). (2014, December 1). Retrieved from http://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/club-drugs-ghb-ketamine-rohypnol〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Drug abuse in Hong Kong」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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